Moldova v Wales – Welsh Player Ratings

Morning all. Hope you have all recovered from that nerve shredding game last night, where Wales kept up the opportunity to be in Russia next summer for the World Cup Finals.

Whilst you tuck into your breakfast allow Y-Ddraig to take you through their player ratings on the game with some rationale behind those ratings.

Wayne Hennessey, 8/10 – Quiet game for the giant goalkeeper, however with the scoreline at one nil, made a crucial diving save low to his right, which bounced just in front of him to make it more awkward, showing great concentration levels.

Chris Gunter, 7/10 – Made his usual forays down the right when the opportunity arose to support the attack and was solid as always defensively. Constantly amazed that the player has not got a side in the Premier League, had a brief spell with Tottenham Hotspur as a young man, but never given opportunity again, is more than capable of playing at that level.

Ben Davies, 8/10 – Excellent display by the left sided defender. Played left back last night and provided some great delivery from that side and was strong in defence. Almost got on the score sheet as well. Very underrated defender.

Ashley Williams, 7/10 – The captain made an error near the end of the game, which almost let Moldova in when should have been more assertive with a clearance, but overall was dependable in defence, did bring the ball out of defence as well a few times when Moldova sat deep to try to drag them out.

James Chester, 7/10 – Thought Chester had a better game than against Austria when he was sloppy with his passing. Last night was much more like the James Chester Welsh fans know from the last two seasons.

Andy King, 7/10 – Last two games fans views on this player have changed for the better. Was excellent against Austria when came on in the second half and last night King did another good job sitting in front of the defence, breaking play up and distributing passes to those with more creative technical abilities.

Joe Allen, 9/10 – Showed yet again what Wales miss when he is not available. So comfortable in possession and more often than not takes the right options. Always makes himself available. A few fantastic slide rule passes last night. Our man of the match.

Tom Lawrence, 6/10 – A talented young player who as against Austria, showed some nice touches. Has a tendency at times to hold onto the ball a bit too long, and needs to get his head up and look to see if others in better position. No doubting his ability and will be in the Welsh squad for a number of years to come.

Aaron Ramsey, 6/10 – Just did not happen for Rambo last night. Always willing and tried to assert his ability in the game, but either a pass was misplaced, or shots blocked or blazed over, apart from the one that was half blocked and then looped over the goalkeeper (who looked dodgy all night) and into the net. At one nil up, he was still playing in a very advanced midfield position and his loss of possession gave Moldova a counter attack opportunity which they almost scored from if it was not for Hennessey, shortly after David Edwards was brought on. Could have been down to the direction Coleman gave him but would like to see from Ramsey a bit more discipline in position and possession in these tight situations.

Gareth Bale, 6/10 – Similarly to Ramsey, just struggled to assert his world class ability on the game. Tried too many times to hit a worldly pass when other simpler options were available. Two games where it has not quite happened, watch out Georgia!

Hal Robson-Kanu, 7/10 – Scored the crucial opening goal to relieve tension. Gives Wales a different option to Sam Vokes, always looking to get on the last shoulder of the defence, looking to run in behind or down the channels. There are times where when the ball is played into him, takes his time to adjust his feet and his passing can be erratic, but as showed in the second half, where he took a pass into him, turned the defender and just placed his shot the wrong side of the post, has that ability that other Welsh strikers do not have.

Subs

Sam Vokes, 6/10 – Came on when Wales were searching for the breakthrough joining Robson-Kanu in the attack. Held the ball up well and won some aerial challenges. Gave Moldova a new challenge in defence when he came on.

Ben Woodburn, 8/10 – What can you say that has not already been said about this young man? Another crucial contribution from him setting up the crucial opener for Robson-Kanu with a fantastic run and cross. The player has so much poise and takes the right option more often than not. A star in the making, and cannot wait to watch his football journey.

David Edwards, 6/10 – Was unlucky not to start after an excellent display against Austria. Edwards came on very late in the game to try and manage the victory. Made a few challenges and kept the passing simple. A fantastic squad player for Wales.

So there you have it our thoughts. Do you agree with the ratings?

Least now we all have a month to recover before games against Georgia and Ireland to see if we can indeed qualify for Russia in 2018, will it be via the play offs? Who knows but not long to wait. Reading many fans talking about the Ireland game being the decider, but don’t underestimate the game against Georgia, will be very tough to get a win out there. But we still believe!